Why opening your windows after a shower could be doing more harm than good
Opening bathroom windows after a shower disrupts extractor fan efficiency, pushing moisture into walls and promoting mold growth. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
; it was simply a chunk that was scraped offThe ritual after showering for many of us is the same. When you’re done with your shower, walk out in the haze of steam from tropical temperatures, then immediately break the glass in the bathroom so that the space can breathe. This is the ultimate way to look like a grown-up, and a sensible option to ward off the accumulation of mould and damp.Yet, the good intentions behind your habit may actually do more harm than benefit.It may seem natural to let crisp, cool, fresh air slough off the dampness; in reality, the airflows tell a completely distinct picture. If the home or your apartment features an electric extractor fan, closing the glass immediately following the shut-off of the faucet could completely disrupt the whole system. Instead of removing the atmosphere, it could have a problem capturing moisture in places you would not like it to be.The theory behind the trap for bathroom draftsCracking of the glass is rooted in basic aerodynamics and physics. Mechanical ventilation systems are created to provide a precise route that is negative in pressure. The system pulls the heavy and humid air from the room and then releases it outside. When you open a door to let in air when the fan is running, you create a chaotic flow of air from outside.The sudden gust cuts off the stream that is already in place, effectively interrupting your pressure systems. Instead of assisting the steam to escape, the drafts make it push humid air up, spreading microscopic drops of water across your ceilings, walls and drywall.The mechanical truth is confirmed by research in environmental health. Based on a research study that was published within the Journal of Hazardous Materials, the effectiveness of ventilation systems in bathrooms relies in large part on maintaining a constant flow of air to effectively remove and capture dust and moisture from the air. If external factors like an open window interfere with the delicate balance of airflow, the system is unable to keep the bathroom clean.
Instead, keep the door closed during and after showering, and let the extractor fan run for at least 30 minutes to effectively remove humidity. Quick drying of surfaces also helps prevent dampness. Image Credit: Gemini
The recipe that will make poisonous sporesIf moisture is stuck and pushes into the recessive areas, it causes an ideal environment to spread fungal spores. Mould is not a time-consuming process to begin to invade. All it takes is a continuous layer of dampness on the cool surface for it to start dominating your home.In a recent urban dwelling study that was released in Aerosol and Air Quality Research, high levels of indoor humidity during leisure bathing can directly impact the composition and concentration of culturable fungal species. This study reveals that the general efficiency and continuous purpose of bathroom ventilation play crucial roles in ensuring that specific mould counts are in check.If you fail to make the fan that you have installed in your bathroom usable, you expand the windows of humidity to allow water to soak into the grout along with paint lines. In addition, leaving the bathroom door completely open after taking the shower can be another mistake. By leaving the door open, you allow the humid and thick air to move into the remainder of your house and spread moisture throughout the hallway, bedroom and wardrobes. This could create dampness issues that can spread to other areas of your home.How to effectively let your space outThen, what can you do to stop the growth of spores without getting yourself frozen out? Your answer lies in relying on the tools that are built into your house.The first step is to ensure that the door to your bathroom is closed during the shower, and for at least 30 minutes afterwards. This easy step keeps water in one area, which allows your exhaust system to complete its job, without bringing out drafts that are a part of your apartment.Then, keep the extractor fan on for about twenty to thirty minutes immediately after you walk out. Most modern houses have a fan linked to smart timers to accomplish this. However, if it is operated manually, you should not switch off the motor when you leave. It will run on its own when you are dressed to take your coffee in the morning.Last but not least, change the window’s habit by putting the quick drying of a quick-drying towel. It takes just 60 seconds to apply a squeegee or a microfiber towel to remove the water from the tiles, which takes away the water standing in it before it evaporates into the atmosphere.If you reside in an older house that doesn’t have an operational mechanical fan, you can open the windows for 10 minutes straight, which is the only way to lower the humidity rapidly. However, if you’ve got the technology available, allow it to work. Make sure the glass is shut, let the fan run and ensure that the humidity stays precisely where it should be, outside of your home.
